WARNINGS: Language, Mentions of drugs & alcohol. (if there's any I forgot lmk!)
The sun cascaded softly on the horizon, the sky a hue of blues, pinks and oranges. You led Bandit, a chestnut gelding to a cross-tie, where you then grabbed a curry comb and began to brush him, you then tack him up, carefully putting his turquoise saddle blanket on, then putting his ranch saddle on his back. You grabbed his bridle, laying the curb bit flat on your hand and using your thumb to open Bandit's mouth. You were about to get on him, when Beau came around the corner. 'Thought I'd find ya' ere'.' He spoke tipping his hat then straightening it.
You looked up at him. Taking your hand off the saddles horn. 'Any news on my father? I'm getting really worried now.'
Beau shook his head, 'Nothing yet, pumpkin, I'm sorry.' You looked up at him and nodded, you didn't know how to feel. After your mum running off drunk, high as fuck? You were shit-scared, scared that your dad was going to do something dumb, like high-jack a car, or even worse, murder a civilian.
Beau rests a hand on your shoulder, 'going for a ride? Moving the cattle?'
You nod, 'gotta move the cattle, grass is getting low and there's gonna be a drought.' Beau nods and strokes Bandit's neck. 'Training him? You know he's only two?'
You nod, 'I know he's only two, he's allowed to be ridden, they ride two year old's on racetracks and your tryna' tell me i can't ride a two year old quarter horse to round up cattle?'
Beau shakes his head, 'I know, I know, but c'mon, don't you think he's a bit young? I mean, he hasn't even been gelded yet. What if one of the mares come over?'
You shake your head at Beau, 'the mares and in the far back paddock. He's going to be nowhere near them, your a fuckin' worry wart.'
He shakes his head, 'you've got a deathwish, i swear to fuckin' god.'
You nodded and put your foot in the stirrup and swung yourself onto Bandit's back. You sunk into the saddle, holding the reins with one hand and the other on the saddle horn, you give Bandit a gentle kick, moving the your hand containing the reins forward slightly, Bandit sets out in a gentle walk. His tail flicking away a fly.
'See he's fine.' You say, smiling down at Beau. 'Sure, you say that, and then he'll do something stupid, or you will.' Beau rolls his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest.
'He has a name you know.' You scoff, as Bandit walks forwards, his ears facing the side, listening to his surroundings.
You get back to the barn about half an hour later, talk about perfect timing. Your jeans and boots are dusty. Sweat gathers at Bandit's mouth, his legs and neck. 'Good ride? Huh, Bandi?' Bandit snorted and stamped a hoof.
Beau appeared, leaning against the barn door with a beer in hand. 'You look like shit.' He smirks. 'That's what happens when you land in it.' You chuckle beginning to undo Bandits cinch. Beau raises an eyebrow and steps forward. 'Are you hurt? Is he hurt?' Beau asks, grabbing your wrist. 'I'm fine!' You snap, not meaning to yell, just fed up with Beau called Bandit 'he'.
'HE has a name, his name is Bandit. And if you don't like the fact that I spend time with Bandit more than I do with you. Then get out of my sight. When I was broken down, who was there!? Bandit!' You screamed at him.
Beau opens his mouth, getting ready to say something but stopping immediately. He tries to stop you from walking off after Bandit is in his stall. 'Don't go. Not yet.' He looks down at you, his breathing heavier than usual. 'Don't fucking touch me.' You snarl, pushing him off of you.
You storm inside, slamming the door and locking yourself in your bedroom.
A few days had passed, you hadn't spoken to Beau at all, not even looked at him. You were getting ready to go ride Bandit, grabbing your belt and threading it through the belt loops of your bootleg jeans.
'Y/N.. please.. we can't keep going like this.. I can't bear it..' Beau's voice cracked. He was fighting back tears.
'Don't.' You shot a glare at him. 'I am only putting 50% into this relationship. No more. No less. If you can't handle that, then we shouldn't be together.'
'But Y/N-'
'No. No 'but', I don't want to hear it.' You tie up your hair into a messy bun and walk through the front door. You take a deep breath and make your way to the pasture where Bandit is grazing. You stop at the fence, taking in your surroundings before you unhinge the gate and step through, making sure to close it behind you. Bandit comes trotting over, neighing happily.
NOTES: So thank you so much if you read this! If there are any words your unsure of just ask me in the comments! Don't be scared to shoot me a message if you have any ideas. (Even if you are unsure!)
